Recent reports from the Minnesota Vikings about Za’Darius Smith make it baffling that the Green Bay Packers let him go.
It was considered a bad move when the Green Bay Packers released pass rusher Za’Darius Smith and let him sign with the Minnesota Vikings. As the 2022 season approaches, it’s becoming more and more evident that the Green and Gold made a mistake.
Reports from the Vikings side say that Smith has been a headache for the Minnesota offense. Though the offensive line has been suspect and may have contributed to Smith’s imposing play, it doesn’t take away from his impact on the organization.
It should be no surprise, as Minnesota has a reputation for success with defensive linemen, whether drafted, traded for, or signed. Defensive linemen have done well in purple. See John Randle, Chris Doleman, Jared Allen, Alan Page, Jim Marshall, etc. The defensive line is purple heaven, and Smith is helping contribute to that cause.
Za’Darius Smith producing at a high level with the Vikings is a bad look for the Packers
Before coming to Minnesota, Za’Darius Smith was among the league’s better pass rushers/edge defenders. Drafted in the 4th round in 2015 by Baltimore, Smith collected 18.5 sacks with the Ravens over four years before signing a four-year deal with Green Bay in 2019.
While playing in Lambeau, Smith recorded 26 sacks. Last year, he only played in one game. That didn’t stop the Vikings from giving him a three-year deal this offseason. As of right now, if reports are accurate, that might be a blessing for the Vikings and a headache for the Packers when they meet in Week 1.
It’s hard to keep players in the league, but not keeping the good ones? Not a good idea. The Packers didn’t, and if the script goes according to plan for Minnesota, there’s a good chance the Week 1 matchup goes to the Vikings, and Smith is a reason behind it. Time will tell if that script manifests or a new script will be drafted, edited, and published when the clock hits 0:00.
